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Scene XII

Enter the DUKE OF VANHOLT, the DUCHESS, FAUSTUS, and MEPHISTOPHILIS.

[Exeunt.]

DUKE.

Believe me, Master Doctor, this merriment hath muchpleased me.

FAUSTUS.

My gracious lord, I am glad it contents you sowell.—But it may be, madam, you take no delight in this.I have heard that great-bellied women do long for some(5)dainties or other: what is it, madam? tell me, and youshall have it.

DUCHESS.

Thanks, good Master Doctor; and, for I see yourcourteous intent to pleasure me, I will not hide from youthe thing my heart desires; and, were it now summer, as it(10)is January and the dead time of the winter, I would desireno better meat than a dish of ripe grapes.

FAUSTUS.

Alas, madam, that's nothing!—Mephistophilis,begone. [Exit MEPHISTOPHILIS.] Were it a greater thingthan this, so it would content you, you should have it.(15)Here they be, madam; wilt please you taste on them?

Re-enter MEPHISTOPHILIS with grapes.

DUKE.

Believe me, Master Doctor, this makes me wonderabove the rest, that being in the dead time of winter, andin the month of January, how you should come by thesegrapes.(20)

FAUSTUS.

If it like your grace, the year is divided intotwo circles over the whole world, that, when it is herewinter with us, in the contrary circle it is summer withthem, as in India, Saba, and farther countries in theEast; and by means of a swift spirit that I have I had(25)them brought hither, as you see.—How do you likethem, madam; be they good?

DUCHESS.

Believe me, Master Doctor, they be the bestgrapes that e'er I tasted in my life before.

FAUSTUS.

I am glad they content you so, madam.(30)

DUKE.

Come, madam, let us in, where you must wellreward this learned man for the great kindness he hathshowed to you.

DUCHESS.

And so I will, my lord; and, whilst I live, restbeholding for this courtesy.(35)